Ever been trapped in a cellar? If the answer is “yes” on either a literal or metaphorical level, then MuddiBrooke are here with their latest single to offer a bit of solidarity. Especially for those who have experience in the latter. Not content to make us wait any longer, the Derby trio are here to offer a glimpse into their next chapter as they eye 2024 with the intention of releasing their debut album.
“Cellar” is a frantic, grimy, gritty number and a sense of the band upping their game. This is the fruits of the labours of a band who have been putting in solid graft on the live scene to take it back to the studio and record something which eclipses all which came before it (not that Lunacy was bad – this is simply a step up). It’s still their blend of alt rock and grunge but now, sombre tones have been swapped for a dose of aggression, whilst keeping that trademark angst that you need in this music without becoming pastiche or satire.
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Indeed, if anyone has been in the company of a narcissist, you’ll likely see yourself in here. Vocalist and guitarist, Brooke, paints a grim picture through the lyrics. Her vocals are panicked and anxious, painting the idea of someone scrabbling at the walls or doors, desperately looking for an escape. However, there’s plenty of anger and teeth gnashing in defiance, too, reflective of the fight back and the ability to look back and say, “I’m not in that position now”. It’s mirrored, too, in her guitar work; its scuzzy riff races at a breakneck pace, squeezing in some screams of its own and when it opens up in the chorus, there’s hints of prime cuts of Foo Fighters.
Elsewhere, with this being Morgan Pettigrew’s first recording with the band, he makes his presence known early. His impressive drumming is oppressive and intimidating, taking on the role of jailer. It makes for a more forceful listen compared to past work, the violent breakdown acting as a breathless culmination to make a final stand. Throughout, it locks in perfectly with Anna Melidone’s rumbling and snarling bass, right up in the mix with Brooke’s guitar allowing them to duel when the six strings come back in.
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With some excellent production to wrap it all together, “Cellar” presents MuddiBrooke in an even more sure-footed light. It takes their sound into a darker and, for lack of a better term, mature direction whilst retaining their gritty, grungy tones. If this is a taste of what we can expect from the band going forward, it’s an excellent indicator of what we can expect from them.
“Cellar” is released on 28th April
Header image by Jason Bridges
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